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Natural & Timeless
You and your partner live a full, active lives. You're the kind of people who make thoughtful decisions and care deeply about quality. And you want a wedding that feels elevated and timeless without losing the parts of yourself that love time outdoors, your pets, and really good food.
That’s where I come in.
I bring nearly a decade of experience photographing weddings across Virginia — from Charlottesville estates and vineyards to engagement sessions in Shenandoah National Park — with an approach that prioritizes ease, trust, and a well-paced day over manufactured moments.
Because it's just you living your best life.
I’m the person who will happily climb fences, wade into rivers, or scramble up a hillside if it means telling your story well — because you don’t get a redo, and you deserve the best. My approach is calm, intentional, and experience-driven, which means your day gets to feel like your day, not a photoshoot.
When I’m not photographing weddings, I’m usually outside hiking the Blue Ridge, deep into a good book, or planning our next meal (I’m a serious foodie). I care a lot about functional fitness and hope to complete a HYROX in 2026 . I travel often with my two kids, our dogs, and my husband, and I value a life that’s full both on and off the wedding day.
On your wedding day, I’m your steady presence, your quiet problem-solver, and your enthusiastic cheerleader when it’s time to celebrate — the kind of person people naturally trust to take care of things.
You focus on experiencing the day and I’ll document it — honestly, beautifully, and in a way that brings you right back every time.
Hey there! I'm Kara
Your CHarlottesville Wedding photographer
"We truly cannot say enough good things about Kara. She has been with us through every major milestone & traveled all across Virginia for us. From our proposal in Shenandoah NP, engagement session in Virginia Beach, and now our wedding at Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk - EVERY single experience with her has been EXCEPTIONAL. She is the definition of someone who goes above and beyond...What makes Kara stand out most is her ability to create photographs that feel authentic, emotional, and natural. She gave just the right amount of direction while still allowing real moments to unfold. She not only made us comfortable, but our entire family, bridal party, even guests throughout the day. She becomes a calming presence while also capturing every moment so effortlessly that you almost forget a camera is there.
Our photos are beyond anything we hoped for — timeless, intentional, and full of genuine emotion. We will cherish them forever. If you’re looking for a photographer who is not only incredibly talented, but organized, kind, trustworthy, and truly invested in your day — Kara is the one. 1000% recommend." - Madi and Nick
This couple worked with me three times: mountain proposal, beach engagement and finally museum wedding
What you get when you work with me for your Charlottesville Wedding
Coverage of your day by Me, not an associate
When you book with me, you get me! I photograph or film every wedding myself. When you book both photo and video I come with a team of skilled colleagues to get the absolute best, most cohesive product possible for you.
All your Photos
You will receive all the edited high-resolution digital files from your wedding day delivered in an online gallery. You can use this gallery to view, share and print your photos.
Planning + Timeline Help
Whether it's vendor recommendations or feedback on shoe choice or help crafting your day-of timeline, I'm available for you!
No travel fees
I photograph weddings within a half-day's radius of Roanoke, Virginia, including all of Shenandoah National Park and Charlottesville, obviously. Your package is all inclusive - I take care of travel so all you have to worry about is having a great time on your wedding day!
Sneak peek within two business days
You do not have to wait for months to see your photos when you work with me. I send out a 30+ photo sneak peek sampling of your day within 48 business hours of your wedding so you can quickly share a preview of stunning photos with your friends and family.
A few of my favorite Charlottesville wedding venues
Castle Hill Cider
James Monroe's Highlands
The Farmhouse at Veritas
Castle Hill Cider is a great fit for couples who want a classic Virginia setting with a relaxed, welcoming feel. Set on a historic estate just outside Charlottesville, it offers sweeping mountain views, open lawns, and a light-filled reception space that feels both polished and unpretentious — ideal for couples who want a beautiful backdrop that still lets the day feel easy and celebratory.
James Monroe’s Highland is an ideal venue for couples who appreciate history, natural beauty, and a sense of place. Just minutes from Charlottesville, the property offers rolling hills, mountain views, and a timeless setting that feels both grounded and elegant — perfect for couples who want a meaningful, understated backdrop that lets the focus stay on the experience and the people gathered there.
The Farmhouse at Veritas is perfect for couples who want a refined wedding weekend that still feels relaxed and personal. Set among rolling vineyards outside Charlottesville, it combines elevated hospitality with true retreat-style privacy, on-site dining, and beautiful guest rooms — making it easy to slow down, stay together, and enjoy the experience rather than rush through it.
The Market at Grelen
The Market at Grelen is perfect for couples who want a bright, airy, and nature-filled wedding day. Nestled in the foothills outside Charlottesville, it offers lush gardens, stunning floral backdrops, and charming rustic details — all in a space that feels polished yet relaxed. It’s ideal for couples who want an elegant, joyful day surrounded by beauty without feeling staged or fussy.
"Kara was phenomenal. She made my fiancé and I feel comfortable and goofy, even though we had never had a camera in our face like that before. Her prompts were super helpful, her attitude was so positive and friendly, and it felt like she made a real effort to get to know us and capture us as authentically as possible. She even rolled up her pants and waded into the lake water to get an epic sunset shot! Talk about dedication! And while this session was a contest giveaway, entirely free, Kara spared no time or effort. Thank you so much Kara for making our engagement shoot so fun!"
Taylor B.
"Kara was incredibly flexible & easy to work with! She provided an extensive list of recommended locations and they ended up being the perfect mountain views. She made us laugh & dealt with our crazy pups like a seasoned pro. We couldn't be happier with our photographs and will be sharing them far & wide. Highly recommend!"
Kristen R.
"She went above and beyond with our engagement photos. We not only received so many photos back from her, but we were able to have an experience to last a lifetime. With being a photographer myself, Kara made it extremely easy to be on the other side of the camera- where I don't typically feel comfortable. We loved every single photo from our engagement session."
On our wedding day, we couldn't have been happier- not just because we had just tied the knot, but because Kara made us feel so loved too. She worked so hard and we couldn't be more thrilled with how our wedding gallery turned out.
If you're looking for a photographer that is spontaneous, fun, energetic, and adventurous, Kara is your girl! She creates images that make you feel like you're experiencing the moment all over again. The richness and depth of her photos bring moments back to life. I can't praise her enough."
Samantha L.
What's it like to have me as your photographer?
Let my couples tell you
Haley
We’ll always be able to look back and remember how we felt in those moments, something that is truly invaluable.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(WEDDING, 2020)
Brittany
Kara made my wedding day happen! Everything from finding the location, helping me find a florist, and pick out an airbnb. If it wasn't for her the day wouldn't have happened so easily. Through the entire process Kara hung in there every time I changed my mind (67 times to be exact, including my wedding date!) and handled all of it so kindly. She builds a quick relationship with you and brings out the most real emotion in the pictures.
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2019)
Katelyn
Kara shot our wedding and put together the most beautiful wedding videos that we will cherish forever! Her adventurous personality shined through all of her creative ideas. Kara was a joy to work with and I’ll never forget our wedding day splashing in the creek thanks to her!
“
ON THE BLOG
SEE THEIR STORY
(ELOPEMENT, 2019)
